Want to explore the world through the eyes of a car-less traveler who learned life's deepest truths from taxi drivers, flight attendants, and political activists? Interested in understanding how the road can transform and shape identities? Want to uncover the power of storytelling and public listening as a tool for profound social change? Then buckle up and immerse yourself in an adventure that will challenge your perspectives, break down barriers and inspire you to discover your own purple motorcycle.

My Life on the Road

Gloria Steinem boarded a plane to Rapid City, South Dakota, surrounded by people in black leather, chains, and tattoos. It was puzzling until she learned about the annual Sturgis motorcycle rally, which draws bikers from around the globe. She was there with five diverse women to attend a Lakota Sioux powwow celebrating women's roles before European patriarchy.

Her journey through the Badlands was punctuated by encounters with the bikers. Despite initial fears shaped by stereotypes, Gloria experienced a heartwarming moment when a biker woman expressed her admiration for Ms. magazine, co-founded by Gloria, and Alice Walker's poetry. She shared her journey of empowerment, riding her own purple Harley after years of following her husband.

This trip reminded Gloria that appearances can be deceiving. The barren Badlands revealed hidden beauty and intricate rock formations upon closer inspection, much like the people they met who defied stereotypes.

Reflecting on her life spent on the road, Gloria realized the profound impact travel has had on her. It taught her to live in the present, bridging theory and practice, and connecting with diverse people. Her father's itinerant lifestyle influenced her own, making the road feel like home.

Traveling has allowed Gloria to share and hear stories from countless individuals, enriching her understanding of the world. She believes it’s crucial to embrace the road, to seek the unfamiliar, and to listen to the myriad of stories that shape our collective experience.

As a feminist organizer, Gloria has seen the transformative power of storytelling and public listening. These experiences fueled the creation of Ms. magazine, providing a platform for voices often unheard. Travel, in all its messiness, has been a source of hope and inspiration for her, proving that reality far surpasses any media portrayal.

Gloria's journey is a testament to the power of the road in shaping identities and breaking down barriers. It challenges the notion that the road is only for men, highlighting the courage and resilience of women travelers. This book is a collection of such stories, inviting you to embark on your own journey and discover the revolutionary act of listening and sharing.

Inside each of us, Gloria believes, lies a "purple motorcycle" waiting to be discovered. Embrace the road, let it take you, and find the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Can Travel Break Stereotypes and Empower Women: The Unheard Stories from the Road?

Gloria inherited her love for the road from her father. He was only content with a settled life for a few months each year. During the summer, they lived in a small house he built near a lake in Michigan, where he ran a dance pavilion called Ocean Beach Pier. It was far from any ocean, but her father, ever the dreamer, named it grandly and drew crowds with attractions like a living chess game. On weekends, he booked big bands, turning their remote spot into a dance haven. 

Once summer ended, he'd move his office into his car, scouring country auctions for antiques with Gloria's mom appraising them. They'd then sell these treasures to roadside dealers, with Gloria unwrapping and wrapping china from a young age. Her sister sold popcorn from a stand he bought her.

Her father was a spontaneous man, always ready to chase a new adventure. He would rather buy them new things than turn back for something forgotten. This spontaneity was their family ritual, and Gloria never questioned it. Now, she wonders if their migratory instincts are deeply ingrained, as they've been a nomadic species for most of their history.

They traveled with a few boxes of antiques, using them to finance their journey. Her father knew every roadside dealer like a desert traveler knows each oasis. Sometimes, shop owners treated them with disdain, thinking they were selling their possessions out of necessity, and her father would let them believe it to regain his dignity.

Gloria's education was the road. Her sister attended high school near their destinations, but Gloria learned to read from road signs and rhymes. She dreamed of running a diner with gingham curtains and bran muffins. They listened to radio serials in the car and her father's singing at night. Gas stations were mysterious masculine worlds where they got icy Nehi Grape Soda that turned Gloria's tongue purple.

They visited ghost towns and movie sets, once sneaking onto a set with Gary Cooper. Her father loved breaking rules, and now Gloria wonders if she would have dared to challenge rules later in life if he hadn't. After her parents separated, her mother and Gloria led a more conventional life for a while. Her mother revealed more about her early life, including her career as a pioneering woman reporter, which she gave up due to a nervous breakdown and addiction to a sedative.

Her father continued his nomadic life, dealing with health issues and evading the IRS. He had dreams of roadside chains and secret formulas. When Gloria won money at a Las Vegas casino, it financed their journey back east. He turned their precarious situation into a game they could win.

Her father's life ended in a car accident on a freeway. Gloria wasn't there when he died, and she will never stop wishing she had been. His optimism and faith in a friendly universe have stayed with her. He let in the light, balancing her mother's fears. His nomadic spirit lives on in Gloria, and she often wonders if she's retracing his ghostly paths. Despite their differences, they are fundamentally the same.

Nomadic Nostalgia: A Daughter's Reflection on a Life on the Road

Growing up, Gloria viewed her father as a rootless wanderer and vowed to live a stable life. Yet, her time in India after college, where she dodged an engagement, unveiled a different path. 

Gloria arrived in New Delhi longing for the luxury of a driver, but living at Miranda House and learning from local students changed her. She immersed herself in the vibrant, chaotic streets, witnessing the patience of bus passengers, the diversity of newspapers, and the resilience of everyday life.

Gloria's journey deepened on a two-day solo train trip from Calcutta to Kerala in a women-only train car, where Indian women shared meals, advice, and laughter, and asked curious questions about America. They taught Gloria resilience and camaraderie. Indira Gandhi’s similar experiences inspired her to create India’s first national family planning program.

A weeklong trek in caste-riot-torn Ramnad with a Gandhian leader revealed the power of talking circles. Villagers found solace in shared stories, breaking cycles of violence through communal dialogue. This ancient form of governance, Gloria discovered, had roots across cultures, from Africa’s Kwei and San to the Iroquois Confederacy.

Returning to the U.S., Gloria saw connections between her Indian experiences and the civil rights movement. At the 1963 March on Washington, Mrs. Greene, a fellow marcher, opened Gloria's eyes to the intersection of race and gender. Years later, Gloria joined the feminist movement, co-speaking with Dorothy Pitman Hughes. They found shared humanity outweighed any label of birth.

In 1977, the National Women’s Conference in Houston, organized by Bella Abzug and other visionaries, became a transformative experience for Gloria. Women from diverse backgrounds debated and united on issues from reproductive rights to labor laws. The conference’s climax was the acceptance of a comprehensive Minority Plank, representing women of color’s unique and shared struggles.

These experiences taught Gloria the power of listening and communal decision-making, shaping her life as an itinerant organizer and writer. The talking circles, whether in Indian villages or American movements, fostered a sense of connection and possibility, proving that human beings, when united, can drive profound social change.

How Did Experiences in India Inspire a Life Dedicated to Social Change and Feminism?

Gloria never imagined writing a travel book without having a driver’s license. Her obsession with driving began in high school, symbolizing independence, yet she never owned a car. Her college reading of Virginia Woolf’s “a room of one’s own” resonated with her, and Gloria silently added, "and a car." 

However, after traveling communally in India, she found joy in shared journeys and conversations, unlike the isolation of car travel. So, Gloria embraced her unique path of being a car-less traveler.

Adventure often begins as Gloria leaves her door. Once, a taxi driver on the way to JFK Airport shared a touching story. He showed a photo of him and his wife, celebrating their wedding anniversary, and offered a free ride. “You two remind me of us,” he said, recalling how their love overcame cultural barriers. It was a poignant reminder of shared humanity, contrasting starkly with a racist encounter just before.

Taxi rides immerse Gloria in diverse lives. Drivers’ stories reveal more about society than any public opinion poll. Post-9/11, a New York driver insightfully predicted the national craving for revenge would not be shared by those who experienced the tragedy firsthand. He was right; New Yorkers largely opposed the Iraq war.

In Minneapolis, a driver predicted Sharon Belton's historic mayoral win, while in rural America, cabbies warned Gloria of rising neo-fascist groups long before media acknowledged them. In Washington, African drivers shared insights on conflicts back home, while Ethiopian and Eritrean drivers highlighted the complexity of international politics.

Taxi drivers are fascinating individuals. One New York cabbie, writing a book titled "Behind My Back," shared celebrity anecdotes with Gloria, while another offered to sketch her hands, showing his passion for art. Some drivers are movie extras or media experimenters, like the young man who abstained from all media to see life unfiltered. Each encounter offered Gloria a fresh perspective.

In Texas, a Chicana driver balanced work and motherhood with her baby beside her, while in Detroit, a driver’s inappropriate lingerie talk revealed deeper struggles with identity. Years later, Gloria learned that the driver had transitioned to a woman, challenging her understanding of change and character.

Flight attendants, like taxi drivers, are unsung heroes of travel. Initially, they were ornamental waitresses, facing strict regulations and discrimination. Yet, they fought back, forming unions and demanding respect. Gloria has seen their transformation, from resisting objectification to integrating men into their ranks.

Gloria has learned so much from these interactions. Whether it’s the resilience of a Brooklyn car service founder or the quiet strength of flight attendants, these stories show the richness of human experience. Her travels, both on the ground and in the air, remind her of the shared connections that make every journey an adventure.

Journeys Beyond the Wheel: A Car-less Traveler's Exploration of Shared Humanity

Gloria adores campuses. They brim with coffee shops and reading rooms, spontaneous parties, and impromptu seminars. She loves graduations; they’re more moving than weddings and more inclusive than religions. 

Over decades of visiting myriad campuses, Gloria has witnessed student movements transform academia and society. From protesting the Vietnam War to advocating for diverse faculty and curricula, campuses have been hotbeds of change.

In her own college years, Gloria missed out on critical histories, like the women’s suffrage struggle and the true model of the U.S. Constitution being the Iroquois Confederacy. Today, campuses are more inclusive, though still flawed. Women’s studies have emerged, but women often face lower lifetime earnings and equal student debt. Age diversity is growing, thanks to veterans and older women returning to education.

Gloria has seen incredible shifts—from mimeographing to tweeting, curfews to hooking up, and from limited women’s studies to comprehensive programs. She recalls students in the '70s marking places of assault with red Xs and risking arrest. Now, Title IX is a powerful tool against campus sexual violence. 

Feminism and academia have a symbiotic relationship; one fuels and critiques the other. Despite skepticism about feminism being too radical or outdated, campus audiences often surprise Gloria with their engagement. At Harvard Law in 1971, her nervous speech about the need for women in law was met with hostility but also affirmed the necessity of her message. 

Gallaudet University, where students fought for a deaf president, showed Gloria the power of movements within unique cultural contexts, emphasizing that disability rights are civil rights. On other campuses, discussions have ranged from housework dynamics to the importance of flexibility in law, always revealing deep, shared human experiences.

One poignant encounter involved a young man who had survived childhood abuse and found solace in the women’s movement, highlighting the broad, inclusive impact of feminist advocacy. 

From rural Oklahoma, where a spontaneous donation of $90,000 underscored the power of grassroots support, to a community college where a woman’s simple advice on housework sparked cheers, campus interactions have been illuminating and transformative for Gloria.

In essence, campuses are crucibles of change and connection, places where we learn, grow, and discover our collective power. They're a reminder, Gloria contends, that grassroots organizing, whether for a week or a lifetime, creates ripples of progress and solidarity, making a lasting difference in the world.

How Have College Campuses Been Crucibles of Social Change and Feminist Movements?

Stories from Gloria's mother about the Great Depression instilled in her the realization that politics are intertwined with our daily lives. Her mother spoke of making soup from potato peels and listening to Franklin Roosevelt’s radio speeches for hope. She even repurposed a blanket into a coat for Gloria's sister, inspiring her to protect her family. These tales highlighted how the Roosevelts, despite their privileged background, understood and acted upon the struggles of the common people.

Gloria's political journey began in high school, volunteering for Adlai Stevenson’s presidential campaign. The campaign office buzzed with activity and idealism, a stark contrast to the racially segregated Washington, D.C., where she lived. Despite the male-dominated hierarchy, the experience was exhilarating and fostered Gloria's love for political activism.

Years later, she campaigned for Eugene McCarthy, an anti-war candidate, and witnessed firsthand the dynamics of political campaigning. McCarthy’s aloofness and disdain for emotional engagement contrasted sharply with the passionate and inclusive approach of Bobby Kennedy, who Gloria admired for his empathy and commitment to social justice.

Gloria's involvement in politics deepened when she joined the National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC), co-founded by Bella Abzug, Shirley Chisholm, and Patsy Mink. The NWPC aimed to increase women's political participation and address issues like the Equal Rights Amendment and reproductive freedom. Campaigning for Bella Abzug, a brash yet kind and politically skilled woman, was a transformative experience. Bella’s authenticity and dedication to social justice resonated with many, inspiring Gloria and others to break barriers.

In 1984, Geraldine Ferraro’s vice-presidential candidacy marked a historic moment. Despite facing sexism and scrutiny, Ferraro’s campaign demonstrated the power of grassroots support and the importance of women in politics. This momentum continued with the 1992 “Year of the Woman,” inspired by the Anita Hill-Clarence Thomas hearings, which highlighted the pervasive issue of sexual harassment.

The 2008 presidential primaries between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama showcased the intersection of race and gender in politics. While campaigning for Hillary, Gloria encountered both support and hostility. Misogynistic attacks and media biases underscored the challenges women face in politics. However, the primary also highlighted the shared goals of social justice and equality between Clinton and Obama supporters.

Reflecting on her political journey, Gloria realizes that every vote and act of activism matters. Voting is a fundamental right and responsibility in a democracy. Her experiences, from campaigning for Harriett Woods to witnessing the Florida recount in 2000, have taught her the importance of civic engagement. As Gloria's mother said, “Democracy is a seed that can only be planted where you are.” We must nurture it daily to ensure a just and equitable society.

From Potato Soup to Presidential Campaigns: Gloria's Journey Through American Politics

Imagine a journey where the road is filled with unexpected, surreal moments that defy logic yet leave you searching for deeper meaning. It's this unpredictability that makes travel so addictive. 

In 1963, during the turbulent times of civil rights struggles and the Vietnam War, Gloria coined "Surrealism in Everyday Life" while writing for the groundbreaking political satire show, That Was the Week That Was (TW3). Satire then was risky, often censored, and controversial. Yet, these limits sparked creativity. One of her favorite skits involved a juggler tossing butcher knives, symbolizing the nuclear arms race, a scene that managed to get past the nervous network censors.

This idea of surrealism stuck with Gloria, shaping how she viewed the world. Whether it was discovering government-subsidized high-rise bordellos in Holland or learning new disco moves while scanning newspapers for bizarre stories, Gloria realized that life's absurdities could illuminate deeper truths.

One memorable night in 1997, after a late lecture, Gloria was driven home by a former cross-country trucker who missed the camaraderie of his old life. He introduced her to the vibrant, nocturnal world of truck stops, where drivers shared stories, argued about music, and supported each other through life's challenges. It was a community bound by shared experiences, far removed from the lonely roads they traveled.

In another surreal encounter, Gloria found herself racing a horse in a harness race for charity, dressed in racing silks. The experience was both terrifying and exhilarating, a blur of speed and trust in the horse and driver guiding her. Though the funds raised were modest, the memory of that night remains vivid.

In 2008, politics took a surreal turn. During the presidential campaign, right-wing commentator Rush Limbaugh bizarrely supported Sarah Palin over Hillary Clinton based on their leg appearances. 

Traveling as an organizer, Gloria often found herself in surreal situations, from sitting in luxurious settings while advocating for basic needs to witnessing the resilience of those fighting for justice. These contrasts fueled her passion and anger, driving her to bridge the gap between excess and need.

Lastly, unforgettable moments like giving a homily at a Catholic church amidst protests or meeting a boy inspired by her efforts to save the rainforests remind Gloria that the road of life, with all its surreal twists, is ultimately about connection and change. Each unexpected encounter, each surreal moment, sharpens our minds and enriches our lives, proving that truth is indeed stranger than fiction.

Can Surrealism in Everyday Life Illuminate Deeper Truths?

Gloria used to believe there were only two possibilities for gender equality: it was either impossible or a future goal. But after the Houston Conference and learning from the Native American community, she realized there was a third possibility: gender balance existed in the past and still thrived in some communities. This revelation was a turning point for Gloria.

In 1995, Gloria was at the Columbus, Ohio, airport, set to speak at the American Indian Science and Engineering Society conference. The aim was to teach Native students using culturally relevant examples, leading to cooperative learning environments that benefit both genders. A man picked Gloria up and on their drive, they passed the Serpent Mound, an ancient earthwork. This mound, along with others, were spiritual centers and observatories, revealing the advanced cultures of ancient Native Americans.

Gloria shared this story with Alice Walker, who also had Native American roots. In 1997, Alice, their friend Deborah Matthews, and Gloria visited various mounds in Ohio. They learned about the rich history and the deep connection Native Americans have with the land. This connection was starkly different from how the U.S. history often overlooks these ancient cultures.

Years later, Gloria encountered graffiti over the Queens Midtown Tunnel: "WHEELS OVER INDIAN TRAILS." It made her ponder the history beneath our feet. She recalled a day spent with Saul Bellow in Chicago, where they observed Mohawk steelworkers. They were not naturally fearless but had to take dangerous jobs out of necessity.

At the National Women’s Conference in Houston, Gloria met LaDonna Harris, a Comanche activist. Her presence highlighted the importance of including Native American women in discussions about gender equality. She taught Gloria about matrilineal societies where women had significant roles, unlike the often male-dominated narratives.

Gloria also worked with Wilma Mankiller, the first female principal chief of the Cherokee Nation. Her leadership was built on empowering communities to help themselves, like the Bell water project. Despite personal health struggles, Wilma transformed the Cherokee Nation into a model of self-sufficiency.

Rebecca Adamson, another inspiring figure, introduced Gloria to grassroots economics, focusing on community values rather than just profit. Faith Smith, an Ojibwa educator, worked to provide Native students with education that included their history, resulting in higher graduation rates.

These experiences deepened Gloria's understanding of the vital lessons from original cultures. The ancient practice of balance and community is something modern society can learn from. Wilma's belief in The Way, a balanced and inclusive worldview, continues to inspire Gloria.

As Gloria grows older, she finds solace in balancing her love for travel with the need for a home. This duality, much like the ancient practices of our ancestors, offers a fulfilling way of life. Gloria's father and mother lived polarized lives, but she strives to embrace both home and the road, embodying the ancient tradition of balance.

Unearthing Gender Balance: Lessons from Native American Cultures and Leaders

Famed feminist Gloria Steinem shares her life experiences and the profound impact they have had on her understanding of the world. Gloria recounts her upbringing and the influence of her father's nomadic lifestyle, which fostered her love for travel and exploration. She also reflects on her time in India and how it deepened her understanding of resilience, camaraderie, and communal dialogue. 

Gloria underlines the transformative power of storytelling and public listening, which have been instrumental in her feminist activism and the creation of Ms. magazine. She also discusses her experiences with political activism and the intersection of race and gender in politics, highlighting the importance of civic engagement and the power of grassroots support. 

Gloria's journey is a testament to the power of the road in shaping identities and breaking down barriers. She encourages embracing the road, seeking the unfamiliar, and listening to the myriad of stories that shape our collective experience. Gloria believes that inside each of us lies a "purple motorcycle" waiting to be discovered and that the act of sharing one's journey can be revolutionary.

Gloria also reflects on her experiences on college campuses, witnessing student movements that have transformed academia and society. She discusses the symbiotic relationship between feminism and academia and the power of grassroots organizing in creating ripples of progress and solidarity. 

Finally, she reflects on her encounters with ancient Native American cultures and the lessons they offer for modern society. She stresses the importance of balance and community, drawing parallels between her love for travel and the need for a home, embodying the ancient tradition of balance.

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My Life on the Road

Gloria Steinem

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Want to explore the world through the eyes of a car-less traveler who learned life's deepest truths from taxi drivers, flight attendants, and political activists?

Interested in understanding how the road can transform and shape identities?

Want to uncover the power of storytelling and public listening as a tool for profound social change?

Then buckle up and immerse yourself in an adventure that will challenge your perspectives, break down barriers and inspire you to discover your own purple motorcycle.

Key Ideas

#1